Valentīna Urbāne

Problems and Solutions in Technical Capabilities of State Fire and Rescue Service

Abstract The article contains a study on technical resources of the State Fire and Rescue Service (hereinafter referred to as SFRS) for the provision of rescue works at height, its technical capabilities and problems in performance of particular tasks. Since most of ladder trucks and lift trucks used by SFRS are obsolete both physically and morally as well as in view of problems with provision of rescue works arising with changing specificity of urban infrastructure, it is necessary to renew SFRS motor fleet with a modern machinery, more efficient in firefighting and rescue works. The study aims to review the variety of SFRS lift trucks and ladder trucks, reflect the problems with operation of SFRS lift trucks and ladder trucks and propose to SFRS possible solutions for operation of SFRS lift trucks and ladder trucks and other problems.

Methods of Performing Rescue Work In Slope Processes Affected Areas

Because of various reasons in naturally as well as in artificially formed slopes the rosks can lose their stability and, under the influence of gravitational force, move down, forming landslides, screes and earth creeps.[1] Such processes are classified as slope processes. They create constant threat to human activities, exploitation of buildings and construction works. That is why it is necessary to know the preventive measures and safe methods of performing rescue works in the areas affected by slope processes. State Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia (further in the text – SFRS), their functions being enhanced, get calls for the rescue works, where people get buried in the ground or there exists the risk of their sinking into unstable ground. Therefore it is required to work out the methodic materials.